Why book:
This boutique property set in sprawling, 10-acre gardens hits the sweet spot with a total of 45 suites and dedicated butler service—a good choice for discerning safari-goers who crave a soft landing in Nairobi, whether arriving bleary-eyed off an international flight or returning sun-kissed and dust-covered from the Mara or Laikipia.
Set the scene
Spread across 10 meticulously landscaped acres in Karen, the city’s most upscale, coveted suburb, you’ll feel worlds away from the capital’s frenetic tempo upon arrival here. The hotel’s dramatic entrance, with its sweeping double staircase reminiscent of a grand manor, sets the tone for a series of graciously proportioned reception rooms that spill outdoors to a wraparound terrace for dining and admiring the lush flowerbeds and mature trees that frame views of the famous Ngong Hills, visible on a clear day in the distance. I arrived on a Friday, and found the main terrace filled with laughter, conversation and the sounds of celebration, from hurrahs to popping corks. There’s no doubt this is a see-and-be-seen destination in the city, chosen for graduation celebrations, baby showers, birthdays, and after-work drinks with colleagues.
The city’s Expressway has been a game-changer in a city once plagued by traffic jams, making the 30- or 40-minute air-conditioned transfer from regional Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, respectively, refreshingly predictable—a crucial detail whether arriving or departing.
The backstory
Behind this boutique gem lies a quintessentially Kenyan success story. Sir Dickie Evans, who was knighted by Britain’s King Charles in 2024 for his services to business, sport, and charity, built his businesses from the ground up, starting with export-quality fruit and vegetables destined for European markets. His horticultural business, Flamingo, became one of Kenya's most successful, providing the foundation for what would become the Hemingways hospitality empire. Getting into the hospitality game began modestly in 1988 with a resort hotel in Watamu on the Kenyan coast, followed by Ol Seki in the Mara, before Evans set his sights on Nairobi.
His choice of DSA Architects, the same firm behind Johannesburg's legendary Saxon Hotel, was no accident. Evans knew founding partner Clive Shepard personally, and together they spent time at the Saxon studying its design DNA. But the inspiration didn't stop there. Evans's passion for golf and the Masters Tournament led them to incorporate elements from Augusta's clubhouse design. The result is a property that feels both internationally sophisticated and authentically East African. The family's commitment to Kenya runs deep, with CEO Ross Evans (Sir Dickie's son) returning from a banking career in Singapore in 2017 to steer the company's expansion. Recent acquisitions include Richards River Camp in the Mara North Conservancy and a collection of properties in Rwanda, signaling ambitious growth beyond Kenya's borders.
The rooms
Each of the 45 suites carries the name of a prominent figure connected to East African travel, exploration or conservation. The naming convention reflects the Evans family's enduring optimism about Africa and their commitment to celebrating its colorful heritage. Every suite features a private balcony with those famous Ngong Hills views. Attention to detail runs to fresh fruit and flowers replenished daily, courtesy of the family business.
The suites are spread across two floors, with either a garden terrace or balcony. Ground-floor Deluxe Suites offer easy access, while the wheelchair-accessible Elspeth Huxley Suite has been thoughtfully adapted with ramp access, shower rails, and emergency features. Rates begin at $590 per night.
Food and drink
The in-house restaurant, Brasserie, works for relaxed solo dining or large celebratory family gatherings. A vast, crowd-pleasing menu includes international favorites, like the perfectly executed steak frites I enjoyed as an early dinner after a long day of travel, which the sommelier paired with an excellent glass of South African red wine. The waiter’s recommendation of the Baked Alaska, flambéed theatrically tableside, was also a winner. If you’re after authentic Kenyan flavors, try the grilled seafood sourced from the coast, or a fiery or fragrantly spiced curry. Breakfast deserves special mention for its thoughtful inclusion of Swahili and Kenyan specialities alongside continental standards. I tasted delicious dhal, spinach sauteed with tomato, and boiled nduma (a sweet potato), then indulged my love of fresh tropical fruits and freshly baked pastries. These are all made in-house, along with an impressive selection of breads. A highlight was the kitchen’s incredible lineup of homemade tropical fruit preserves—I tried the tree tomato, papaya, and pineapple jams on toast. And the coffee was predictably excellent, ethically sourced within a country known for it. Sunday jazz brunches are something of a local institution, drawing Nairobi families for celebrations—the sign of a great city hotel.
The spa
Few things feel more restorative after a day of travel than a really good massage. I was relieved that I’d booked a treatment slot in advance, as the spa therapists are kept busy by in-house guests and Karen residents. There was unexpected magic in the skilled hands of Mary, who told me that she learnt massage techniques intuitively from her mother (also a therapist) before going on to be professionally trained. Terre d’Afrique organic products from South Africa are used in all treatments, which are tweaked to match your energy level, mood and preferences for light or firm pressure.
The spa facilities include steam and sauna rooms, plus easy access to the hotel pool (unheated). Wandering back to my suite through the beautiful gardens post-treatment enhanced my relaxed state.
The service
Every suite enjoys 24-hour butler service, with female solo travellers thoughtfully assigned female butlers. Everyone I encountered, from my butler, Charity, to the waiters and doormen, moved with the kind of purposeful urgency that made me feel efficiently yet genuinely taken care of in every possible way.
For families
Families are welcome. Children under five stay free when sharing with adults, while those aged 6-16 pay reduced rates. The property offers limited connecting rooms, though any adjacent suites can work for families. The expansive Hemingways Suite is the ultimate choice for multi-generational groups. Kids' menus and spa treatments cater to younger guests, while babysitting can be arranged on request. Nearby attractions, including the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre, provide kid-friendly half-day diversions, and the hotel's proximity to sister property Eden Residence opens up additional artisanal tours covering cooking, art and fashion.
The neighborhood
Karen remains Nairobi's most desirable suburb, a mix of posh residential properties, schools, embassies, country clubs, and golf courses. Nairobi National Park is nearby—this must be the only city in Africa where wildlife roam against a backdrop of skyscrapers. The nearby Giraffe Centre offers intimate encounters with these gentle giants. Other attractions include the Karen Blixen Museum (for Out of Africa fans) and shopping. At Kazuri Beads, you can watch highly skilled artisans mould candy-coloured beads out of local clay, which are glazed and fired before being strung together to create necklaces and bracelets. Don’t miss the studio of well-known Kenyan designer, Anna Trzebinski, whose unique creations are influenced by Maasai and Samburu traditions. Finally, no trip to Nairobi is complete without a stop at Utamaduni, the best art and crafts center.
Sustainability
Environmental responsibility stretches way beyond the obvious, like eliminating single-use plastic (which they have). The recently installed 160kW solar power system powers all the suites, complementing solar water heating. A grey water recycling system irrigates the extensive gardens, reducing reliance on municipal water supplies while creating the lush landscapes that define the property. The hotel kitchen partners with Taka Taka Solutions for waste separation and composting. Support extends to local communities through partnerships with One Horizon, a non-profit focused on poverty alleviation and women's empowerment, and the historic Nondies Rugby Club, Kenya's oldest rugby team.
Anything left to mention
As more travelers discover that Kenya offers year-round appeal beyond the over-subscribed migration months, this is an ideal base from which to start or end any adventure.
100 Mbagathi Ridge, Nairobi, 032000
Kenya
http://www.hemingways-expeditions.com/our-destinations/kenya/
+254 711 032000